Differently-abled have to see skilling opportunities in streams which are in trend so that they can bring themselves on top of competitions, says Prashant Agrawal
International Disability Day just went by. It was celebrated with a motivational spirit. But the society still has problems in bringing differently-abled into the mainstream. Most of them face obstruction like accessing education, college, and employment. According to the 2011 Census, 45 per cent differently-abled are uneducated. Even if they do manage to study, doors to higher education are difficult to open.
This is because people with physical disabilities or long-term illnesses that predominantly pose the challenge of accessibility, they face mobility issues to reach classrooms or other locations for education. For those with sensory disabilities related to vision or hearing impairment, it is a challenge to use common classroom tools and study materials. Those with cognitive impairment require learning in a different manner. While these challenges are real and cumbersome, digital education and technology can bring a completely new experience.
Special aids and appliances are essential for differently-abled, and such aids are provided under various welfare schemes made by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Availability of devices like digital classrooms, computers with screen reading software, Internet, scanners, low-vision aids, mobility devices and hearing devices in the institutes would enrich the educational experiences for such people.
Therefore, colleges are encouraged to maintain such devices and provide the facility of moderator for differently-abled students. While there are many streams available to pursue for making a better career for persons with disability, one should choose the path on a smarter way. Let’s lookout some lucrative digital education options for differently abled.
Digital Marketing: The Internet has created a buzz and impact on marketing approach worldwide. Many businesses are digital today and even small shop owners have started using virtual market with digital and social media presence. Students having a physical disability can see a lucrative career as a digital marketer post 10+2. Digital and social media professional develops digital tactics, generate potential leads and bring the awareness of the product/campaigns on social media. This kind of courses brings skills and expertise and opens entries in multiple sectors.
Mobile repairing: A Cisco Report estimates that smartphone users are expected to double by 2022 and may reach to 829 million users. Refurbished smartphone market which is currently unorganised and driven by local brick and mortar retailers is also making its space online. Many companies are capturing the refurbished smartphone market in India which is estimated to reach $12-15 billion by 2020. Following this demand, the trained human resource will be required by the online retail giants. Most of such skills can be learned online and can be practiced as a freelancer by setting-up own start-ups.
Online finance and accounting course: Financial Accounting, Indirect Tax or GST, and Direct Tax or Income Tax, TDS and other services have brought in the new market opportunities through the digital world. Commerce graduate always feel left out as most of them would look for post-graduation due to non-availability of opportunities. Technology has made its way in this sector by enabling proper bookkeeping and tax filing with beta technology. Fintech companies are hiring multiple talents to work to provide semi-consulting and data management of various online clients.
Web development: Small startups and new entrepreneurial ventures are increasing in the developing economy where businesses require having the digital presence for the more business benefits. This course involves scripting language and like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build an attractive, effective and responsive website. Also, an experienced person can work as a freelancer from home. This course requires creativity skills and passion for the web development for the better job and own start-up.
Data science course: The marketsandmarkets.com data shows that the advanced analytics market will be worth $29.53 billion by 2019 which require a 360-degree overview of business analytics and concepts like data exploration, data visualisation, Regression analysis, and predictive analytics for having insights about the data science. This kind of course helps in generating the career opportunities as well as the entrepreneurial journey.
IoT and AI Skills: New technology brings new challenges in front of mentors. They continuously guide students towards the approach, they should be adopting when faced problems at work.
Wealth management: Wealth Management adviser and manager deals with wealth management, private banking, family offices, and financial advisory services as our economy are sharing the interest with the global market. That is why the financial sector is rising rapidly.
The writer is President, Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur
